St John's Church, Holloway

St John’s, Upper Holloway, was one of the Commissioners’ Churches built with the support of government money following the Church Building Act of 1818. Designed by Charles Barry, James Elmes described it in ‘Metropolitan Improvements’ (1827-30) – for which this drawing was engraved – as being ‘built with brick and stone, after the ancient English method, which is as pleasing in appearance as it is strong in principle.’ Shepherd’s attention to architectural detail is matched by his interest in human activity. The family pulling a perambulator is a particularly charming addition to this small drawing.